Tel Aviv on Fire

Synopsis

"Tel Aviv on Fire" is a 2018 comedic drama directed by Sameh Zoabi that deftly blends humor with political satire. The film follows Salam, a young Palestinian man who lands a job as a writer’s assistant on a popular soap opera called 'Tel Aviv on Fire,' set against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Salam navigates complex interactions with Israeli and Palestinian characters alike, he finds himself caught between cultures and conflicting loyalties. The show-within-a-show explores themes of identity, survival, and the absurdities of conflict, delivering sharp wit while addressing serious social and political issues with nuance and humanity.

Cast

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  Qais Nashif

  Salam

• 

  Lubna Azabal

  Tala

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  Yaniv Biton

  Assi

• 

  Maisa Abd Elhadi

  Mariam

• 

  Nadim Sawalha

  Bassam

• 

  Salim Daw

  Atef

Reviews

The film "Tel Aviv on Fire" received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a highly favorable 89% approval rating, with the consensus highlighting its clever humor and insightful approach to a deeply polarized conflict. Critics praised the film for balancing satire with kindness and for its unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian tension. Metacritic’s score of 70 out of 100 reflects generally favorable reviews, underscoring the film's ability to engage viewers thoughtfully without becoming heavy-handed. IMDb users gave it a respectable 6.7 out of 10, noting the strong performances and smart screenplay. Reviews from notable publications, such as The Guardian, lauded the film’s

See also

Vice

The Two Popes

Detroit

The Motorcycle Diaries